Social Development Department Vows Confidential, Equitable Public Assistance Delivery

In a recent Table Talks Session focusing on Accessing Public Assistance, Miss Tasha Bertie, Acting Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Development, highlighted the department’s dedication to maintaining confidentiality and fairness in delivering public assistance to individuals across the Virgin Islands.

Miss Bertie emphasised the successful transition to a streamlined system under the Social Development Department, promoting transparency and equity in the distribution of public assistance grants.

“We are pleased with the transition’s outcomes. While the previous system served its purpose, the current approach ensures that all grants are correctly channelled and managed, fostering equity across the board,” stated Miss Bertie.

Mrs. Annie Malone-Frett, Chief Social Development Officer, noted that the transition enabled the department to shift from manual to digital record-keeping, improving efficiency and reducing waiting times for assistance while facilitating accurate reporting to the ministry.

“The digital system has significantly streamlined our processes and reporting obligations to the ministry, making assistance more accessible to those in need,” Mrs. Malone-Frett remarked.

Miss Laurel Freeman, Programme Director for Children and Family Support Services, highlighted the department’s stringent measures to safeguard the confidentiality of individuals seeking assistance.

“Applications are identified solely by NHI numbers, ensuring the anonymity of applicants. In the absence of an NHI number, alternative identifiers such as Social Security numbers, passports, birth certificates, or driver’s licences are utilised to protect applicants’ identities,” explained Miss Freeman.

Since the adoption of the Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations in 2022, the Ministry of Health and Social Development has intensified efforts to enhance public assistance services in the Virgin Islands.

The Social Development Department’s commitment to confidentiality and equity reflects the government’s broader initiatives to improve governance, enhance public service delivery, and ensure justice for all residents of the Virgin Islands.

By prioritising inclusion, enforcement, safety, communication, and accountability, the government aims to instill greater confidence in its ability to provide accessible and secure services, thus fulfilling its mandate to serve the people of the Virgin Islands effectively.